Bristol-headquartered law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV) has merged with London-based healthcare practice Lockharts as it seeks further growth in the specialist area.
Lockharts is focused on supporting doctors, dentists, optometrists, vets, pharmacists, care homes and other healthcare professionals and organisations across England and Wales.
Since the firm was founded in 1995, it has established a highly regarded niche practice providing expert legal advice and professional support to healthcare clients.
The tie-up comes just under a year after VWV took on ateam of 30 commercial lawyers from Watford firm Matthew Arnold & Baldwin (MAB). VWV, which also has an office in Birmingham, said both deals were part of its growth strategy.
Under the Lockharts deal, which takes effect from January 30, 14 of the firm’s lawyers will join VWV’s London office.
VWV managing partner Simon Heald said: “Lockharts is a well-established legal practice with an excellent reputation for supporting healthcare specialists.
“Lockharts joining us will benefit our existing healthcare clients by strengthening our expertise, and Lockharts’ clients will gain the advantage of having access to a larger team of dedicated healthcare professionals within a nationally based practice.”
Lockharts senior partner Andrew Lockhart-Mirams added: “We believe that we have found the ideal partner for our merger and we very much look forward to working with VWV.
“Not only does VWV have the drive and ambition to maintain growth, they also have the healthcare specialists and reputation that we feel complements Lockharts. We are confident that our clients and colleagues will be happy with our decision, knowing that they will be in safe hands.”
Pictured from left: Back row – VWV managing partner Simon Heald and Lockharts senior partner Andrew Lockhart-Mirams. Front row – VWV head of healthcare Ben Willis and Lockharts managing partner Rosalind Parkin
